The Addition of Montelukast for the Treatment of Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria.

Abstract

IntroductionChronic urticaria (CU) is a common disorder that can significantly affect the quality of life. The goal of treatment is complete symptomatic relief. Conventional therapy, with antihistamines, is not always effective in all patients. Leukotrienes are believed to be involved in the pathogenesis of urticaria. Leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs), such as montelukast, have been suggested as useful agents in patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria. Our objective is to document the efficacy of montelukast in our patients.Materials and methodsPatients who received montelukast were identified from clinic letters. Data including clinical features were collected and analyzed. The main endpoint was adequate disease control.ResultsA total of nine patients who met the inclusion criteria were included in this study. Four patients reported having a good response to montelukast and three patients reported full control of the disease.ConclusionThese findings suggest that leukotriene antagonists, such as montelukast, are effective as an add-on therapy to anti-histamines and their use in histamine resistant patients is justifiable.